Ordered the D300

[Guy Mancuso]

I ordered one . I will try and switch it out

 

[woodyspedden]

Be curious to see what you think of the D300 compared to all the Leica stuff you've got, Guy. Be sure to check out Capture NX for processing RAW files. It's reputed to be the best, although slow in large volume workflows. There's a free 30 day trial for it and you can probably find a license for it for around $80 since it came bundled with the early D300s and D3s and many buyers didn't need it. Also some quick video tutorials to give you an idea. I really like the U-Point tool:
http://www.capturenx.com/

I have the hand strap and love it:
http://www.nikonmall.com/product.asp?sku=3065120#

I'm not as experienced as some in this thread, but I struggled with my 85mm Zeiss ZF. So many non-keepers, even with a Katz Eye on my previous D200. Sold it to fund the D300 upgrade.

All D300's ship with a free copy of Capture NX and View NX. Nikon finally got it right after four years of stonewalling and charging $125 for their software.

Woody

 

[Guy Mancuso]

Thanks Woody

 

[gromitspapa]

All D300's ship with a free copy of Capture NX and View NX. Nikon finally got it right after four years of stonewalling and charging $125 for their software.

Woody

I believe that was a promo for the early ones sold. It's no longer showing as included on Nikon's website. I agree with you, it should be included. Guy- it could be a CD or it might be a small piece of white paper that's easy to miss that has a strip covering the key code, if you have it. There's an interesting suite of filters from Nik (the maker of NX) that integrate seamlessly into NX. There's a free 30 day trial for the full set, too:
http://www.niksoftware.com/cep2nx/usa/entry.php

Also, there's some Digitutors on Nikon Imaging's site that might be helpful:
http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Oh, and this is a nice publication:
http://www.nikonworld.com/

And... consider the 2-year extended warranty on the body. I had seen them being sold on Adorama for as little as $60 on the D80 and was waiting for a similar deal on my D300, but now it looks like there's a 10 day after purchase limit, which I missed. I'm still going to call Nikon about that, though. Technically, you're supposed to register your lenses within 10 days to get the 4 year extension to the 1 year warranty, but they're loosed about that. No need to push it, though. No warranty at all on stuff bought used.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533938-REG/Nikon_11315_2_Year_Extended_Service_Coverage.html

If you want to mount a pre-AI lens, this guy is reputable and inexpensive for the conversion:
http://www.aiconversions.com/

 

[Guy Mancuso]

Great info and thanks for taking the time to post this . I will start my reading. I hear the manual is big, the M8 i don't think i ever opened it . LOL

 

[Guy Mancuso]

Well everything is here now. The 17-35 works a charm just like i remember using it on the D200. The 105 macro is just flat out scary sharp. Still trying to figure that out for 750 bucks worth every cent. The 85 mm 1.4 looks to be really nice , has great bokeh . Maybe a touch soft and i mean a touch like my 75 lux soft wide open. I may need to adjust AF tuning but it was used in excellent condition. Looks almost new. The SB 800 works on both my M8's and the D300. That is awesome for me and much more comfortable on the M8. So happy days just need to get out and shoot. Okay have to admit the bulk and weight are back but honestly not to bad. The 105 is really big and the 180 mm you all seen some results and another 750 dollar lens worth every cent.